Ask the Coach: Getting Your Pre-Pregnancy Body Back

Getting Your Pre-Pregnancy Body Back

NCAA runner turned high school coach Hillary Kigar has an answer for all things training–including tips for runners trying to reclaim their pre-pregnancy bodies.

I have two little boys and the mommy pouch to prove it. I am trying to run my way back to my pre-mommy body, but the bouncing loose skin is uncomfortable. Is there something to help? Long-term, will running tighten everything up?

First, remember to stay positive and patient and recognize how amazing your body is to have given birth to two boys and be running again. Every woman’s body responds differently to childbirth.

Even professional runners who have been running at an elite level for years experience similar issues. Oiselle athlete Stephanie Rothstein Bruce speaks candidly on social media about motherhood and running. During her second pregnancy, she developed diastase recti (splitting of the abdominal wall). She explains that her body may not look the same as “before kids,” but it’s even stronger. Check it out at #journeywithsteph on Instagram.

In the meantime, consider wearing a formfitting base-layer tank top or a lightweight pregnancy band as well as high-waist spandex tights to keep everything stable and comfortable while running. Kinesiology tape is another safe option and easily adheres to your skin. The tape has a variety of uses to help support sore or weak muscles or, in this case, a loose mommy belly!